InXile updates Wasteland 2 Beta big time

Over 2000 “bug fixes,  gameplay features, performance optimizations and balance improvements along with hours of new content” have hit the Early Access version of the forthcoming Wasteland 2 courtesy of developer inXile.

inXile is working hard on this one. With a legacy like Wasteland has (it’s basically the forerunner of Fallout), it’s not hard to see why the developer wants the game to be as close to effect as it can get before it officially hits download services. If you’re a buyer of the game on Steam’s Early Access program though, you’ve got another reason to dive back into the beta as this is one massive pile of improvements.

In all, a new level, inventory system, additional weapons and more have been added into the title along with a mess of big fixes for both issues players have been reporting and the team at inXile has uncovered.

The Prison level is a major location added to the beta. This new map features more well-armed, well-prepared and dangerous foes than the Rangers have faced so far, and it will take superior decision-making and tactical prowess to get out alive with the information they’re looking for. Additional smaller maps have been added along with the major location, significantly expanding the game.

The game’s new icon-based, grid inventory harkens back to classic cRPG titles. The flexible inventory and character screen mesh well together to manage multiple nackpacks and easily move around items and equip your rangers, while the hand-crafted icons give each item that much more personality.

Many new features have been added to combat, including shotgun and SMG spreads, the use of skills in combat, destructible cover, stances, death animations, improved visual effects and AI and flexible use of height and ladders. Random encounters have been expanded and improved making world travel all the more dangerous. Bug-fixes and optimization passes ensure a significantly smoother experience. Finally there have been significant improvements to the way skills such as Surgeon and Field Medic work.

With the new “Prison” map the early beta now offers five major location and an estimated 30+ hours of gameplay.

If you’d like to dive into the long-awaited Wasteland sequel before it officially sees release, you can grab a copy on Early Access or on inXile’s own online storefront right now.